Exterior Landings

[Erby]

So, I've got a back door to a new construction house with just steps on the outside of the door. The local AHJ has already blessed it.

There are only two exterior doors: the front door and this door in the pictures.

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There is no landing. The distance from the door opening to the first step is 5 7/8". The steps are both 7 1/4".

Does it need a landing? I think so but the local code guys obviously disagree having already approved it.

R311.3.1 says it does as it is a "required egress door".

Your thoughts on the landing issue and the height differential?

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[Jerry Simon]

Regardless of code, what problems are posed by no landing?

And, I always measure to top of threshold for step height.

[kurt]

I'd point it out, describe the trip and fall hazard, cite the code, deliver the report, and go find a refreshing beverage.

[Jerry Simon]

I'd point it out, describe the trip and fall hazard, cite the code, deliver the report, and go find a refreshing beverage.

I'm having trouble seeing a trip/fall hazard.

By the by, that set up is a very common thing around here (right or wrong).

[kurt]

Uneven risers, no handrail, no landing. That brick riser is a....riser. What's to wonder?

No one's going to change it, I wouldn't beat it to death, and I'd put it in the report because we're supposed to.

[Jerry Simon]

Uneven risers, no handrail, no landing. That brick riser is a....riser. What's to wonder?

No one's going to change it, I wouldn't beat it to death, and I'd put it in the report because we're supposed to.

Since I ain't busy, I'm gonna beat it a bit more. How does the lack of a landing in this example pose a trip/stumble/fall hazard? One would step down onto the first step, just as one would do when descending a basement stairway.

[John Dirks Jr]

Less than 4 risers? I don't call lack of handrail. Door swings in? I don't call lack of landing.

If the door or storm door swings out and there's not a landing at least 36" in depth, I call it out.

[kurt]

Someone told me I was supposed to report on safety concerns. If someone else says it's not a safety concern, i'm fine with that too.

[kurt]

At least there's no mold.

[Erby]

Well, actually:

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Just enough for my CYA statement that there is some.

But the sweet tea and ribs took it all away!

[inspector57]

Newer code

[Steven Hockstein]

How about the fact that it is butt ugly.

[kurt]

Yes, that.

[Jim Baird]

If the page you pasted is from your code it is clearly a violation as well as butt ugly. Our state amends every code it adopts, and it grants lots of exceptions like those posted. The two riser thing is usually about garage/house entries.

I think this "flight" is dangerous.

Wonder if you noted what looks like a complete lack of slope on those brick sill rowlocks under the windows.

In my county the building crash caused, in time, a cleanout of the local AHJ inspection staff that left one guy, the most senior, who has trouble reading a newspaper. I don't think he knows how to look anything up in a code book.

[kurt]

A side thought outside the butt ugly one....

Does anyone note the lack of drainage plane outlet when concrete stoops are slammed up against a brick veneer?

[Tom Raymond]

Why would we mention that when the rest of the drainage details are missing? Every. Single. Time.

[kurt]

We've advanced beyond that one around here. Most of the time I see a wick...or two..., a piece of flashing, etc. So, I bring up the concrete stoop thing sometimes.

[John Kogel]

I'd call out the downspout. That setup would carve a hole in the dirt here, not to mention the splashing.

A landing there would allow the missus to stop and reach back to close the door behind her while carrying a platter of beer and burgers to the back deck. []

Worth mentioning.